Up next for Chicago Bears: San Francisco 49ers

November 09, 2009

Quick look: For the first time, Mike Singletary will oppose his former team and the team he wanted to work for as a coach. It will be an emotional game for an already emotional coach.

After beginning the season with Shaun Hill as their starting quarterback, the 49ers switched to Alex Smith, the former No. 1 pick in the draft. Smith has been an upgrade over Hill and could be finally starting to realize his potential. Before Sunday, he had a passer rating of 95 and had completed 63 percent of his passes.

The 49ers could be vulnerable in pass protection without injured left tackle Joe Staley. Barry Sims is expected to start in his place.

Rookie wide receiver Michael Crabtree has made some contributions since ending his holdout and can make plays with his size and athleticism.

Key stat: Frank Gore has three runs of more than 60 yards. But if you take those runs away, the 49ers were averaging only 3 yards per carry before Sunday.

Key matchup: Bears wide receiver Devin Hester versus 49ers cornerback Tarell Brown. The 49ers are without the two cornerbacks they thought were their best before the season started, Nate Clements and Walt Harris. Hester's speed and quickness could be too much for Brown if the Bears can match up the two players.